Compilation: NBA Tar Heel Camp Storylines

Raymond Felton (Knicks): The kid from Latta has found a home
in New York City after an unhappy stint with the Blazers. Ever since that
season in Portland, Felton's weight has been an issues, and he says he's
playing 15 pounds lighter this year. He's also taking on more of a leadership
role with the Knicks and wants to be a team captain this year.

Kendall Marshall (Suns): Phoenix has undergone significant
turnover since the organization drafted Marshall, and that means this season is
a crucial one for the point guard. In fact, it's more than just this season
that is crucial--it's the month of October, because the Suns have to make a
decision about his contract. There is room for another passer behind Goran
Dragic, and Marshall wants to grab that spot.

Ty Lawson (Nuggets): After a slightly rocky offseason,
Lawson is back with the Nuggets and wants to show leadership. He has two goals
for this year: make the all-star team and help the Nuggets past the first round
of the playoffs. He'll be playing for a new coach, and the expectations in
Denver are "ring or bust."

Harrison Barnes (Warriors): The second-year forward appears
likely to move to the bench for the Warriors this year, but he might actually
have a bigger role. And remember some of those very athletic dunks from last
year? Barnes wants to show some of them off in the NBA Dunk Contest this year.

Antawn Jamison (Clippers): Speaking of possibly
sneaky-fun...here's the Clippers. Jamison is just 42 points away from 20,000 for
his NBA career. And in maybe the most real-life link of anything in this story,
he'll spend what could be his last year in the league balancing his family and
his team on opposite coasts.

Reggie Bullock (Clippers): It's not hard to imagine Jamison
and Bullock developing a good relationship in Los Angeles. Their personalities
are fairly similar. For now, though, Bullock is trying to get healthy, as he
has missed two straight training camp practices due to a right leg injury, and
Doc Rivers isn't sure when the rookie will be cleared.

Ed Davis (Grizzlies): Davis and the Grizzlies had a slightly
rough summer, as there was some disagreement about whether Davis should play in
the summer league. Davis didn't back down from his position, and said this week
he was "insulted" by being in the doghouse at the end of last year. Remember,
the Grizz now have a new coach, so Davis could thrive.

Brandan Wright (Mavericks): Wright made a positive
impression in Dallas and was signed to a multi-year contract. He's likely to
come off the bench but has a chance to challenge Samuel Dalembert for the starting
job. Those who follow the Mavs closely think the stats show that Wright might
have been the most effective offensive player on the team last year (that
includes Dirk Nowitzki).

Tyler Hansbrough (Raptors): It's still a little difficult to
picture Hansbrough in a Toronto uniform; he just seemed like a good fit in
Indiana. He's already made quite an impression in Toronto, energizing the first
few days of training camp and earning some really good quotes from head coach
Dwane Casey, who refers to Hansbrough as "Freddy Krueger" for reasons you'll
have to scroll down in the link to read. There's absolutely no question when
you read the quote that you'll immediately go, "Yep, that's Tyler."

John Henson (Bucks): Let's see...it's the preseason...camp is
starting...yep, here it is: here's the annual story on John Henson adding weight
over the summer. He's added 10 pounds, and he's even worked quite a bit on
developing his right hand. As you probably remember from Carolina, Henson is a
right-handed player, but his best post move was a left-handed hook. Milwaukee's
frontcourt is suddenly kind of crowded, so the offseason improvements will be
beneficial as Henson tries to earn a more regular role.

Danny Green (Spurs): Training camp might matter less to the
Spurs than any other team in the NBA. There just aren't a lot of questions
about them, and what questions there are can't be answered until June. Namely,
are they over Game 6 of the Finals? Green was even asked about it in Mongolia.

Individually, though, it does seem like Green has found a
home with the Spurs.

Marvin Williams (Jazz): He's coming back from a heel injury,
and Williams has worked out very lightly during the first week of camp. But the
Jazz seem to have big plans for him, and head coach Tyrone Corbin says
Williams' presence will be important on a young team.

Vince Carter (Mavericks): This is just a sensational Carter
link that starts with only his dunks as a Mav-they're better than you think-but
then goes on to contain numerous Carter highlights from throughout his career.
Dallas plans to play Carter about the same minutes as last season (just under
26 per game last year), so there will be plenty more opportunities for more
highlights.

Brendan Haywood (Bobcats): The Bobcats need to rebound
better, and Haywood could help fill that need. He's also an underrated
defensive presence and the stats suggest Charlotte would be better defensively
with the Greensboro native on the floor.

Wayne Ellington (Mavericks): From the day he set foot on
Carolina's campus to today, there has been one undeniable fact about Wayne
Ellington: he can shoot. He could shoot in high school, he could shoot in
college, and he can shoot in the pros. That's the role Dallas wants him to play
this year. With three Tar Heels on the same team, Mark Cuban's squad has the
deepest Carolina blue tinge in the NBA this season.